With only two games left of the regular season, both the Grizzlies and the Nuggets need to win this hugely important game. It’s all about avoiding the play-in and clinching a playoff spot. Memphis is on a back-to-back with travel, and they’re coming off a rough loss to the Timberwolves.
The Grizzlies couldn’t stop the Wolves at home last night. Memphis lost the game 125-141 after having won three straight prior. Anthony Edwards exploded for 44 points for Minnesota. Ja Morant put up 36 points, including five made threes on 13 attempts. Desmond Bane added 28, and Jaren Jackson Jr. had 23. Scottie Pippen Jr. chipped in 16 points off the bench. But it was the starting five that struggled overall. Bane ended with a -14 plus-minus, while Jackson Jr. had a -13.
If the Grizzlies lose to the Nuggets tonight, they’ll likely end up in the play-in. Memphis has gone 4-6 in their last ten games and currently hold a 22-18 road record. Their overall record is 47-33, placing them 7th in the Western Conference. The Thunder and Rockets have secured the top two seeds. The Lakers are 3rd with 31 losses, followed by the Nuggets and Clippers with 32 losses each. Warriors, Memphis, and Minnesota all sit at 33 losses, making every game down the stretch critical.
In an unusual twist, both teams made late-season coaching changes. Memphis fired Taylor Jenkins with nine games left, replacing him with interim head coach Tuomas Lisalo. Denver parted ways with longtime head coach Michael Malone just three games before season’s end. Malone is the franchise’s all-time wins leader in both regular season and postseason play. David Adelman, formerly the offensive coordinator, is now the interim head coach for the Nuggets. It’s rare to see coaching changes this late in the year, especially for playoff-bound teams.
The Nuggets picked up a crucial win in Sacramento in their first game under Adelman. They had previously lost four straight. Two key differences stood out: an improved defensive effort, and fewer touches for Nikola Jokic — 88 touches compared to his season average of 107. With everyone more involved, Jokic had more energy on defense. Denver won 124-116. Jokic recorded his 33rd triple-double of the season: 20 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, and four steals.
Jalen Pickett started at point guard in place of the injured Jamal Murray, with Russell Westbrook coming off the bench. Pickett hit five of seven from beyond the arc. Christian Braun dropped 25 points, while Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. each added 21 in a well-balanced team performance. Jokic was visibly more vocal and took on a bigger leadership role on the floor. Murray remains doubtful for tonight’s clash.
